I think I remember reading somewhere that Bound Sharks are Bound up in the Empire of Hands. But for the life of me I can't remember where...

--When Mortals from the path of Honour stray,and strong passions over reason sway,What are they then but Brutes? ‘Tis vice alone that constitutes. Th’enchanting wand and magic bowl, The exterior form of Man they wear,But are in fact both Wolf and Bear,The transformation’s in the Soul.

I heard that the New Sequence are responsible for them. Or was that a dream I had? Either way. (Is it true, do you suppose, that the New Sequence intends to back London's currency with Drowning-Pearls? I knew one dockside tale-teller who suggested that echoes would be better described as &quotsounds pearling&quot.)

While we're sharing verse, too, I have here a song, composed by Messrs. Gillibrand and Searle on a commission from the First Lord of the Admiralty, to discourage independent thought and action in the lower branches of the Royal Navy. I shall reprint it here, and you may hum it at your leisure.

A London tar is a servile soul,As strong as a stout zee-bat,His considerable verve should be ready to observeAn admiral's dictat.His nose should bulge and his lip should purse,His cheeks should glow and his brow reverse,His bosom should twist and his heart should grow,And his mind should have the texture of fresh-mix'd dough.

His eyes should flash with a Dawn-like fire,His brow with awe be bowed;He never should bow down to a tiger's striped frownOr by the Khan be cowed.His foot should kick and his throat should close,His hair should float (as should his nose),His eyes should flash and his trews protrude,And this should be his customary attitude.

Social invitations of all kinds welcome, especially games of chess, deadly sparring, and plant battles! Let me know if you need help with nightmares; I'm always happy for any social actions which increase my nightmares.